Cameroon turns waste into eco-charcoal to save treesCEFR A2
31 Dec 2025
Adapted from Sandra Tuombouh, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Edouard TAMBA, Unsplash
Clean cooking access is low across much of Sub-Saharan Africa, and many households still rely on wood or charcoal. In Cameroon, large areas of tree cover have been lost, and some people now choose eco-charcoal, also called briquettes, for their stoves.
Producers make eco-charcoal from household and market organic waste such as skins, shells and sawdust. Users say it burns cleaner, makes less smoke and helps protect trees. The government has introduced stronger forestry rules and supported projects since 2021 to increase access to cleaner cooking fuels.
Difficult words
- access — ability to use or get something
- rely — depend on someone or something for help
- charcoal — black fuel made from burned wood
- briquette — small block of compressed fuel materialbriquettes
- producer — person or group that makes somethingProducers
- waste — leftover material that is not needed
- forestry — work of managing and protecting forests
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do people in your area use wood or charcoal for cooking? Why or why not?
- Would you try eco-charcoal for cooking? Why or why not?
- How can rules and projects help people use cleaner cooking fuels?
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